Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 3rd February 2026, 11:56 PM
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unveiled an ambitious nationwide infrastructure project aimed at decentralising the sport and enhancing the quality of playing surfaces. Following an initial pledge by BCB President Aminul Islam, the Head of the Grounds Committee, Khaled Mashud, provided a comprehensive briefing at Mirpur today, detailing the rollout of 137 new cricket pitches across eight primary hubs.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish 11 cricket hubs across the country. In this first phase, the BCB has prioritised eight key locations, including traditional cricketing strongholds and emerging centres. These hubs are designed to serve as regional centres of excellence, providing facilities for training, competitive matches, and youth development.
The distribution of the 137 pitches has been meticulously planned to cater to the specific needs of each region. Barishal is set to receive the highest allocation with 23 pitches, while the BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan) will see 19 new wickets across its third and fourth grounds.
Khaled Mashud emphasised that while the BCB would provide the necessary logistical and material support—such as high-quality soil, rollers, mowers, and pitch covers—the actual construction would be led by local curators.
“We have consulted with the curators and shared our vision,” Mashud told reporters. “The BCB will provide the foundation, but the responsibility for craftsmanship and maintenance will lie with the local experts. We want them to take full ownership of these surfaces.”
| Location / Hub | Number of Pitches | Anticipated Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Barishal | 23 | Main match, practice, and outer wickets |
| BKSP (Grounds 3 & 4) | 19 | High-performance training surfaces |
| Khulna | 15 | Integrated academy and match pitches |
| Fatullah | 13 | Dedicated match and practice wickets |
| Purbachal | 13 | New infrastructure for emerging talent |
| Rajshahi | 12 | Regional league and school facilities |
| Bogra | 10 | Enhanced district-level match surfaces |
| Cox’s Bazar | 8 | Coastal training and match hub |
The project is slated for completion between May and June 2026. By providing concrete wickets for schools and universities alongside grass pitches for professional use, the BCB hopes to create a more robust “cricket culture.”
Former national cricketer and current BCB Director, Abdur Razzak, who was also present at the briefing, hailed the move as a transformative step for domestic cricket. He noted that if the June deadline is met, the board will be able to host district-level leagues on superior surfaces as early as the next season. This decentralisation is expected to reduce the immense pressure on Dhaka’s venues and provide a more authentic playing experience for cricketers rising through the ranks.
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